Rashard Mendenhall reinstated by Steelers

After being suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reinstated running back Rashard Mendenhall to their roster.

According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers will have a roster exemption for Mendenhall until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. When that expires, the Steelers will have to make room for him on their 53-man roster or possibly make a different decision altogether.

It definitely appears as though the former first-round draft pick’s time in Pittsburgh is coming to an end. The Steelers may elect to expedite that process and part ways with Mendenhall instead of activating him to the roster. He had already been relegated to third-string running back before the suspension.

Mendenhall has started and played in just four games for the Steelers this season. He has just 34 carries for 113 yards and no touchdowns on the ground. He also has seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdowns.

The Steelers signed running back Baron Batch to take Mendenhall’s place on the roster for last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

No way the Steelers part ways with him early! Unfortunately for the Steelers, Mendenhall is still the most talented back they have. That being said he’ll surely be gone next year, but he’s a restricted free agent. So, if another team signs him in free agency the Steelers will be awarded a compensatory draft pick the next year. Most likely a 7th round pick, but it could also go as high as a 3rd round pick.

steeldominance says:Dec 17, 2012 11:39 PM

If they re-sign him, I have to question the intention of the FO. What does this guy bring to the table besides bad publicity, unnecassary spin moves and fumbles? I doubt Mendenhall lands anywhere other than on the couch.